Japan Men’s Hockey Team Receives Grand Punjabi Welcome With Beats of Bhangra & Garlands at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport
Persistent Efforts of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Led to Punjab Getting Opportunity to Host Such Prestigious Tournament
SAS NAGAR (MOHALI); 23rd October 2026:
The 18-member Japan Men’s Field Hockey Team landed at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held at Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
The team was accorded a grand welcome at the airport with the beats of Bhangra, traditional garlands and Punjabi hospitality by officials of the Sports department. The visiting players, who were visibly delighted by the warm reception, thanked the hosts and expressed excitement to play in Punjab, the land of hockey legends.
The Japan squad for the tournament includes: Yamada Shota, Tanaka Seren, Watanbe Jun, Matsumoto Kazumasa, Nagai Yuma, Yamashita Manabu, Fujishima Raiki (Captain), Nagayoshi Ken, Saito Hiro, Kashiwagi Ren, Tanaka Tsubasa, Ooka Ryoma, Kawamura Yusuke, Kuroda Kisho (Goalkeeper), Yamanaka Motoya, Ochiai Haruki, Kitagawa Takumi (Goalkeeper) and Fukuda Kentaro.
Elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth stay, practice sessions and travel of the team during the championship. The Asian Champions Trophy, being hosted in Punjab for the first time, is expected to witness top hockey action with participation from leading Asian nations.
Owing to the persistent efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the land of Punjab is becoming a first time witness to an international Hockey tournament.
The Punjab Government has assured all participating teams of world-class facilities, security and hospitality befitting an international sporting event.
Other than Japan and hosts India, teams from South Korea, China, Malaysia and Bangladesh are also participating in the Asian Champions Trophy tournament which would start on October 27th at Olympian Surjit Hockey stadium in Jalandhar while the Final would be played at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior hockey stadium in Mohali on November 5th.
